Thermoplastic elastomers based on high-density polyethylene and waste ground rubber tire composites compatibilized by styrene–butadiene block copolymer

Abstract

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/waste ground rubber tire (WGRT) powder composites were prepared by melt compounding, and the composites were compatibilized by styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS). The effects of the SBS compatibilizer on mechanical properties, morphological properties and the Mullins effect of the composites were investigated systemically. Experimental results indicated that SBS had a good compatibilization effect on the HDPE/WGRT composites. Compared with HDPE/WGRT composites, the tensile strength and the elongation at break went through maximum values at a compatibilizer resin content of 12 phr. Morphological study showed that the interface interaction of the HDPE/WGRT composites compatibilized by SBS was strong, which contributed to the significantly improved mechanical properties. The Mullins effect results showed that the softening appeared after the first loading of the HDPE/WGRT and HDPE/SBS/ WGRT composites, the maximum stress decreased at the later cycles, and the residual deformations in uniaxial loading-unloading cycles of the HDPE/SBS/WGRT sample were lower than those of the HDPE/WGRT sample, indicating that the elasticity of the HDPE/SBS/WGRT TPE was improved.

Interfacially modified LDPE/GTR composites with non-polar elastomers: From microstructure to macro-behavior

“…The features of the broken surface in this case are characteristic of the mechanism typical for elastomers, for which the surface after break is usually smooth. Similar observation in studies of HDPE/ GTR/SBS blends was recently described in work by Wang et al [23]. Fig.…”

Recycling Waste Tires into Ground Tire Rubber (GTR)/Rubber Compounds: A Review

“…To overcome this challenge, various techniques, such as GTR surface modification [19,20], devulcanization [21], dynamic vulcanization [22], and compatibilizing agent addition [14,23], have been used to increase the GTR-matrix interfacial adhesion generating improved homogeneity and processability, as well as mechanical and long term (durability) properties of the compounds. Recent advances and opportunities on the use of GTR as an inexpensive filler in construction [24,25], energy storage [26], and polymer blends in general with a focus on thermoplastic matrices [16,27] have been reviewed.…”

Investigating the combined impact of plasticizer and shear force on the efficiency of low temperature reclaiming of ground tire rubber (GTR)

“…It should be mentioned that phenomenon of GTR encapsulation with elastomers, e.g. styrene-butadienestyrene copolymer [27,48], ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer rubber [49], butyl rubber [50], ethylene-octene copolymer [51], trans-polyoctylene rubber [52] or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer [53], was also observed and described by several independent research groups. Table 2.…”